Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami on Thursday, September 17, 2026, leading his club to a 2-0 victory over LIGA MX powerhouse Cruz Azul to capture the Campeones Cup 2026 at Nu Stadium in Miami, according to reports from Tangsel Pos and MLSsoccer.com. The milestone strike arrived in the 24th minute when Messi met a cross from Luis Suárez with a header past goalkeeper Kevin Mier, anchoring a four-trophy era for the club since the Argentine forward joined in 2023.
Milestone Goal and Match Action at Nu Stadium
According to match reports, Messi reached his century mark in just 115 appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami. The opening goal set a competitive tone against the reigning LIGA MX and Campeón de Campeones winners. In the 81st minute, Messi delivered a corner kick that summer signing Casemiro headed past the Cruz Azul defense to secure the 2-0 scoreline, as detailed by MLSsoccer.com and Tangsel Pos.
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“Leo told me he’d make me a champion, so he kept his word,” Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González told reporters after the match, as reported by MLSsoccer.com. The victory awarded the club its first-ever piece of silverware at the newly opened 26,700-seat downtown venue.
Historical Comparison: Inter Miami Speed Versus Past Clubs
According to sports data cited by ESPN and local reporting, Messi reached 100 goals faster with Inter Miami than with any previous team in his professional career. Across his entire career at club and international levels, Messi has amassed 929 goals, which includes 804 tallies split between Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, alongside 125 goals for the Argentina national team, per ESPN figures.
Did you know? Cruz Azul holds a unique place in Messi’s Miami tenure: the Mexican side was also the opponent against whom Messi scored his very first goal for Inter Miami back in 2023 via a stoppage-time free kick during the Leagues Cup, according to Tangsel Pos.
Trophy Haul and Club Legacy in South Florida
With this latest victory, Inter Miami has collected four major titles during the Messi era, following the Leagues Cup 2023, the Supporters’ Shield 2024, and the MLS Cup 2025, according to Tangsel Pos and MLSsoccer.com. Managing owner Jorge Mas emphasized the team’s ongoing trajectory in post-match comments broadcast on Apple TV.
“I’ve always said Inter Miami is being built to lift trophies,” Mas told Apple TV during post-game festivities, as noted by MLSsoccer.com. “Obviously, it helps to have the best player in the world of all time, Lionel Messi… I think we saw vintage Messi tonight.” The win brings Messi’s career total to 48 trophies between club and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games did it take Lionel Messi to score 100 goals for Inter Miami?
According to Tangsel Pos, Messi reached the 100-goal milestone in 115 appearances across all competitions.
Which opponent did Inter Miami defeat to win the Campeones Cup 2026?
Inter Miami defeated LIGA MX side Cruz Azul 2-0 at Nu Stadium, according to MLSsoccer.com and Tangsel Pos.
What trophies has Inter Miami won since Lionel Messi joined?
According to club records cited in match reports, Inter Miami has won the Leagues Cup 2023, Supporters’ Shield 2024, MLS Cup 2025, and Campeones Cup 2026.
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